Testosterone replacement therapy: Dilemmas and challenges in China and Asia

• Published in: Asian journal of andrology Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 149 - 151
• Main Authors: An, Qi, Gu, Yi-Qun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.03.2018; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Analysis; Androgens; Androgens - therapeutic use; Asia - epidemiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - epidemiology; Care and treatment; China - epidemiology; Drug therapy; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Hypogonadism; Hypogonadism - blood; Hypogonadism - diagnosis; Hypogonadism - drug therapy; Invited; Male; Males; Prevalence studies (Epidemiology); Systematic review; Testosterone; Testosterone - therapeutic use; Testosterone replacement therapy; Asia; China; Taiwan
• ISSN: 1008-682X; 1745-7262
• DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_16_17

[8] Furthermore, a study performed in Taiwan, China, also reported that both questionnaires had low sensitivity and specificity to detect androgen deficiency and low serum T.[9] In addition, this study recommended that a complete physical and biochemical checkup should also be conducted in patients at risk or suspected of androgen deficiency. [...]both ADAM and AMS questionnaires have limited value in Chinese populations. When comparing the scores from androgen deficiency symptom scales and serum cFT or FTI level, the total scores including the sexual function, autonomic nervous disorder symptom, or psychological and physical symptom >17 points were considered to be positive for cAMS (unpublished article). [...]the AMS and ADAM questionnaires that were designed and tested first in older, non-Asian men need to be modified for the older Asian men. [...]the cutoff values of serum TT < 8.9 nmol l-1 and cFT < 210 pmol l-1 with at least three sex symptoms such as decreased libido, irritability, and decreased energy are recommended now in Chinese aging population (unpublished data). Since there is a large individual difference in serum TT concentrations, the Japanese Urological Association not only recommends EAU guideline with the serum cFT value lower than 225 pmol l-1 (65 pg ml-1) as the diagnostic criteria for LOH regardless of symptoms, but also refer to bioavailable T as being associated with androgen deficiency. Lu DD, Zhang Y. [Correlation between serum testosterone levels with cardiac function and cardiovascular events in elderly male patients who have congestive heart failure].